IRCC has held another Express Entry draw, this time inviting 576 candidates who already had a provincial nomination. The round required a high CRS score of 734 and used a tie-break based on profile creation date. The draw also highlights a broader 2026 pattern: Canada continues to favour applicants with strong ties to the country, especially provincial nominees and candidates with Canadian work experience.
IRCC invites 576 provincial nominees through Express Entry
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 576 invitations to apply for permanent residence in a new Express Entry draw aimed at Provincial Nominee Program candidates. This round took place on September 14, 2026, and focused only on people in the Express Entry pool who had already received a provincial nomination.
To receive an invitation in this selection round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 734. They also had to have created their Express Entry profile before 9:39 p.m. UTC on August 29, 2026. That timestamp was used as the tie-break rule for candidates who had the same score.
For many applicants, this result is a reminder of how valuable a provincial nomination can be. Under the CRS points system in Express Entry, an enhanced provincial nomination adds 600 points. That is why Provincial Nominee Program draws often show much higher cut-off scores than other Express Entry rounds.
If you are trying to apply through Express Entry to Canada, this draw shows that provincial pathways remain one of the strongest routes to permanent residence. Candidates who want to strengthen their profile may wish to review ways to improve their CRS score or explore whether a province may nominate them.
What this draw means for applicants
A provincial nomination is especially important for candidates whose core CRS score is not high enough to compete in general or category-based draws. Provinces and territories use their own selection streams to identify workers, graduates, and other newcomers who match local labour market needs. Once a candidate receives an enhanced nomination linked to Express Entry, their chances of receiving an invitation from IRCC usually rise sharply.
Applicants who want to understand these options in more detail can review the main Provincial Nominee Program pathways as well as the latest Express Entry draw updates.
How this draw fits into Canada’s 2026 immigration pattern
This was the 54th Express Entry draw of 2026. So far this year, IRCC has continued to invite candidates across several categories, but two groups have stood out in particular: people with provincial nominations and people with Canadian work experience.
The latest draw follows another provincial nominee round held on August 31, 2026, when 562 invitations were issued with a CRS cut-off of 697. Earlier provincial nominee draws this year also took place on August 17, August 4, July 20, July 6, June 22, May 25, May 11, April 27, April 13, March 30, March 16, March 2, February 16, February 3, January 20, and January 5. This steady pace shows that provinces remain deeply involved in selecting future permanent residents.
Draw types seen this year
In 2026, IRCC has not relied on only one type of Express Entry invitation round. Alongside Provincial Nominee Program draws, the department has also invited candidates under the Canadian Experience Class, French-language proficiency category, healthcare and social services category, physicians with Canadian work experience, trades, transport, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and even a small draw for skilled military recruits.
This broader mix reflects Canada’s practical immigration planning. Rather than selecting only the highest-scoring profiles overall, IRCC is also targeting candidates who meet specific economic and labour needs. That is why language ability, occupation, Canadian work history, and provincial support all matter.
For candidates still building their profile, it may be helpful to review the requirements for the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Programme. These are two of the main ways people enter the Express Entry pool before being considered for an invitation.
Key numbers from Express Entry in 2026
IRCC has issued 121,732 invitations to apply through Express Entry so far in 2026. The largest share has gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates, followed closely by French-speaking candidates. Provincial nominees have also received a meaningful number of invitations, even though these draws are usually smaller and more targeted.
| Draw type | ITAs issued in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 51,250 |
| French-language proficiency | 50,500 |
| Healthcare and social services | 11,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 8,537 |
| Other targeted categories combined | 9,945 |
These figures tell an important story. Canada is still using Express Entry as a major tool for economic immigration, but it is doing so in a more focused way. Applicants with French ability, skilled Canadian work experience, or a provincial nomination continue to have strong opportunities.
Why provincial nominees remain important
Provincial nominations help Canada spread immigration benefits across the country, not only in major urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver. Provinces can select workers for local shortages in healthcare, trades, construction, education, transport, and other sectors. This supports regional growth and helps newcomers settle where they are most needed.
That approach also connects with other Canadian immigration pathways outside Express Entry, including the Atlantic Immigration Program and regional options such as the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. For many families, there is more than one possible route to Canada, and choosing the right one depends on work history, language test results, education, and settlement goals.
Practical guidance for candidates in the pool
If you are already in the Express Entry pool, the latest draw is a good reason to review your strategy. A high CRS cut-off in a PNP-specific round does not mean the system is out of reach. It usually means the invited candidates benefited from the extra 600 points that come with a nomination.
Ways to make your profile more competitive
- Retake an approved language test such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF/TCF for French, if you believe you can improve your scores.
- Complete an Educational Credential Assessment if your foreign education has not yet been fully counted.
- Check whether you qualify for a provincial stream connected to your occupation, work experience, or intended destination.
- Review whether your work history fits a category-based draw or a programme such as CEC.
After receiving an invitation, candidates must move carefully through the next steps, including document collection, police certificates, medical exams, and the electronic permanent residence application. Anyone preparing for that stage may benefit from learning more about the Invitation to Apply process and the eAPR application requirements.
Work permits while waiting for permanent residence
The source article also noted that some in-Canada Express Entry applicants may qualify for a bridging open work permit after applying for permanent residence. This can be very helpful for workers whose current status may expire before IRCC finalizes their PR application. In some cases, eligible family members may also have options for open work permits, depending on the situation and current policy.
For candidates who are unsure whether to pursue Express Entry, a provincial nomination, or another route, it can help to explore Canadian immigration options with a clear plan. A tailored review can identify whether your strongest path is federal, provincial, regional, work-based, or family-based.
Canadian immigration rules and programme requirements can change quickly, so readers should always confirm current information directly with IRCC or speak with a licensed immigration professional before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with caring, experienced support at every stage of the journey toward a new life in Canada, and you can book your free immigration assessment for a professional evaluation of your options.
